Weekly Short Stories Contest and Company! discussion
Your Writing!
>
Brett's Writing
date
newest »
newest »
How lovely! It does make winter sound wonderful.
Thank you. Let's see if I feel the same way in a couple more weeks. I am appreciative of the Winter, but I enjoy all of the seasons.
If I Could…By Brett Starr
06/07/2018
If I could please everyone,
Would they want to be pleased?
If I could help everyone,
Would they want to be helped?
If I could save the World,
Would it want to be saved?
If I could please God,
I will.
Anne, I have an offer for you. Would you be interested in a free digital copy of my book, in exchange for writing an online review for amazon.com and goodreads.com? Book title is "Random Acts of Poetry: Best Read with Coffee or Tea." It is available exclusively on amazon.com. I can send you a gift link. I would just need an e-mail address for which to send it. Also, I have a website: www.bastarrpublishing.com if you would like more information. Let me know.
A Poem of IdiomsBy Brett A. Starr on December 8, 2020
At noon one day just out of the blue with nothing else better to do
I went for a walk in my neck of the woods, with my head in the clouds, for as long as I could
I met a man who was blue in the face. His white elephant had broken all over the place.
I confess I tried to turn a blind eye. With crocodile tears, he started to cry.
Cat got your tongue? He inquired of me. Cool as a cucumber, I bent on one knee.
Hold your horses, I said with a smile. I’ll help you tidy up, but it may take quite a while.
This is no piece of cake, and pardon my French. But son of a b____, as we sat on a bench.
We took a break just to chew the fat. From where do you come? And what the heck is that?
Put a sock in it, fella, he said to me. I’m a little under the weather as you can see.
This here was a contraption of many perks. But now this throws a wrench in the works.
Just then it started raining cats and dogs. We said what’s next? Locusts and Frogs?
Could this be good luck, I asked with a sigh. He responded in the negative, when pigs fly.
It’s brass monkeys out, with a shiver he claimed. Both of us will never be the same.
After all of this, we were as thick as thieves. The contraption is still broken, my friend grieved.
This thing is dead as a doornail, he cracked. It’s a few cans shy of a six-pack.
He said that if he were to kick the bucket, in fact… That would be the pot calling the kettle black.
A Silent PrayerBy Brett Starr on 22-April-2018
A Silent Prayer I do request.
This heavy weight upon my chest.
The subject of, you might have guessed,
A fearful one, of much distress.
And to the Council whom I seek,
The details here I cannot speak.
From whom this wish is merely meek,
Remains distraught and worried weak.
I hope this plea has ample aim,
Despite the wish I cannot name.
A quiet quest to ease disdain.
Reveals the message all the same.
A Silent Prayer I ask of Thee,
To you I come on bended knee,
Please shine a Light most graciously,
To bring upon Thine harmony.
Brett wrote: "A Poem of IdiomsBy Brett A. Starr on December 8, 2020
At noon one day just out of the blue with nothing else better to do
I went for a walk in my neck of the woods, with my head in the clouds, fo..."
Cute! I enjoy the tongue-in-cheek humor. This reminds me of a short story I once did using as many cliches as I could just to defy the no-cliches "rule" of storywriting (which I disagree with BTW).
What kind of feedback / comments are you looking for from us re: your poetry?
Just like you did there. If you enjoyed it, let me know how you relate to it. If you have questions about it, please ask. Hard to get feedback on poetry from most people. I’m here in this goodreads group for feedback from people who share the passion for poetry.
To Those Who Hold High PlacesBy Brett Starr 6/13/2018
To those who hold high places, this is what I ask of you.
Be bold and confident in everything you do.
Use your strengths and influence for the common good.
Open your eyes and empathize for the ‘have-nots’ if you could.
Be creative with your talents to produce a simple plan
To provide a source of income for the common man.
Charity is admirable and appreciated very much
But creating steady jobs will bear a gracious touch.
Solve many problems with those of imagination
And design a clever plan of intuitive creation.
Lead with simple logic, reason, and persistence,
Include a wise incentive to minimize resistance.
Promote this objective to those of similar means
To help many others assert aspiring dreams.
To those who hold high places, do this and you will see
The impact you will have achieving harmony.
Brett wrote: "To Those Who Hold High PlacesBy Brett Starr 6/13/2018
To those who hold high places, this is what I ask of you.
Be bold and confident in everything you do.
Use your strengths and influence for th..."
Good advice! Too bad those in high places rarely follow it.
Our Destiny…By Brett A. Starr on April 05, 2020
"Knock-knock, the door is open unto you.
The fruits of Wisdom only sought by few.
If you wish, this path is yours to take.
An open mind accomplishment will make.
Who knows about the future of the mind?
A scientist of mental study finds,
That neurons dance to thoughts quite constantly,
Through synapses electrochemically.
The Earth begins a new sidereal day
Surveying stars within the Milky Way.
Elliptical the paths of planets spun
Celestial orbs revere the fiery one.
Our bodies shape contains a secret code.
A pentagram of elements bestowed
Of Spirit, Fire, Water, Earth and Air
Combined as one created to declare
The most important lesson we can learn
Collect a wealth of knowledge to discern
Embrace the chase of world’s diversity
As Truth and Love predict Our Destiny."
-------
In short, the stanzas represent the following:
the invitation to learn
the microcosm
the macrocosm
the human body
the prediction of the future.
I liked this. But I do have a few comments.I think written work (whether poem or story) should be able to stand alone without explanation or justification. The telling of it should be clear enough -- if not, consider reworking the words until you're happy with it.
If writing for professional peers (e.g. for professional publication or to share with others with comparable educational background), then it really adds to the enjoyment to include those type of references in your work. However, the general public will get lost and it's frustrating to not understand certain words or concepts. For example, I thought sidereal was a misspelling of surreal until I looked it up.
In the Inspirations section near the back of my book, I have explanations about each poem. Sidereal is an Easter egg that I hoped the reader would look up to find out what it was. Just as you did. You get a gold star by your comment. ⭐️ precession of the equinox’s reference.
A Poem for the KISS ArmyBy Brett A Starr on March 28, 2021
For 100,000 years, or forty-eight.
Many songs did Kiss create
A great theatrical four-man band
Entertaining fans across the land
From Lick it Up, to I Confess
This shock-rock band just gave their best
We Sure Know Something of lady Beth,
She always made us take a breath
Black Diamond really had us Shout
Kiss rocked our world, we let it out
The Firehouse was Hotter than Hell
Kiss’ music was like a magic spell
A Hard Luck Woman knew it to be true
That I Was Made for Lovin’ You
What happened in the Ladies’ Room?
The bus was leavin’ Much Too Soon
With Nowhere to Run and Nothin’ to Lose
My Reason to Live, the music I choose
Strange Ways were Secretly Cruel
The Love Gun was their favorite tool
When Lightning Strikes, Tomorrow and Tonight,
It may Shock Me ‘till the mornin’ light
Do You Love Me? Because I Sure Know Something
You’ve got Great Expectations, and you’ve got me hummin’
Your Reputation is Not for the Innocent
It’s Never Enough, and yet magnificent
I’m Alive and I Want You
‘Cause God Gave Rock-n-Roll to You II
When I was Just a Boy, in my Flamin’ Youth
At my Childhood’s End, All Hell’s Breakin’ Loose
I was Dreamin’ of being an All-American Man
It’s My Life to tour this land
I’ll be Rockin’ in the USA
And Watchin’ You every day
While the City Sleeps, I’ll See You in Your Dreams
Right Here Right Now, if you know what I mean.
The Street Giveth and the Street Taketh Away
When you hit Rock Bottom, you’re there to stay
So, when you’re Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell
Find your Modern Day Delilah, not Mr. Blackwell
Love’s a Deadly Weapon, it’s a Long Way Down
Lonely is the Hunter in this Jungle town
Is That You, starin’ Into the Void?
I Know Who You Are, and the life not destroyed
I Finally Found my Way now I Walk Alone
I’m a God of Thunder, with a heart of stone
The Devil is Me, wherever I roam
With a bottle of Cold Gin, I’m Comin’ Home
When Creatures of the Night come In Your Face
And you’ve Nowhere to Run, without a trace
Just take The Oath, and give it a twirl
And be a King of the Night Time World
Raise Your Glasses, ‘cause Then She Kissed Me
Won’t you Take Me down to Detroit Rock City
I’m gonna Love Her All I Can
I’m a Legend Tonight, and a mortal man
I’m a Prisoner of Love, while I’m Alive
Let’s Rise to It, and go for a ride
Outta This World, my poem’s nearly done
I’ll Fight Hell to Hold You, A Million to One
Like a Thief in the Night, I Stole Your Love
A World without Heroes, is what I think of
Yes, I Know, we’re Under the Gun
Kiss had a song for everyone
Deuce always had the Magic Touch
The opening song came through in the clutch
To break the ice and start the show
To Let Me Go, Rock and Roll
It seems like a Journey of 1,000 Years
A Trial by Fire and when the Tears
Are Fallin’ it couldn’t be clearer
Forever as I look In the Mirror
Kiss’ shows took us on a Rocket ride
The entertainment we experienced felt good inside
There’s only one thing left to say
Rock-n-Roll All Night, and party every day!
It’s a 2-Bag LifeBy Brett Starr on June 3, 2019
A week of my life in 2 carry-on bags
One stuffed firm and the other one sags.
Tired of the hustle and the bustle of the masses
The highway is crammed, going slower than molasses.
Five lanes wide does the traffic flow
Gotta catch a big plane, 11 miles to go.
Brake lights flashin’ far and wide
Got my gold rimmed aviators to shade my eyes.
Make a turn, now arriving at the terminal lot
Push a button at the gate, grab a ticket from the slot.
Parked the car up a floor in a crowded space
Take a picture of the scene to remember the place.
One bag on top, the other with mini-wheels
A long walk ahead, the soreness my knee feels.
There’s an escalator – I carefully climb aboard
It takes me to departures on the very next floor.
I can skip the waiting line – gonna go real fast
I used an app to check-in, got my boarding pass.
Mosey to the right to get on my way
There’s a serpentine of people at the TSA.
Traveling’s a pain – just a hurry-and-wait
Got scanned at the checkpoint, heading to my gate.
Make a bathroom stop, just in case
Can’t take a chance in this rat race.
Almost to the gate when I hear the sound
The gate number’s changed, gotta – turn around.
Pull my bags by my side, got a coffee on the way,
There’s a beep on my phone, it’s a flight delay.
Well isn’t that nice, what can I say?
Just another hiccup on a busy day.
The steward said “I’m really sorry for the wait.
But your plane has just arrived, it’s coming to our gate.”
Then the steward said “Please grab a green tag.
There’s no room above for a second bag.”
So, I grabbed a tag and did what they said.
“I wonder what is next?” running through my head.
The plane taxied down the runway – gaining speed.
I pulled out my tablet and began to read
My book of the day to escape this life
The altitude increasing cutting air like a knife.
And just that things seem to be going well
There are two more things I have to tell
A complimentary coffee is the drink I take
A pocket of turbulence gives the plane the shakes.
I spill the coffee on my lap you see.
Not much I can do about my scalded knee.
I close my eyes and begin to pray,
God please take over and guide the way.
Finally, we land and pull into our gate.
There’s a problem with the door and we have to wait.
15 minutes go by before they open the door.
I really don’t desire to fly anymore.
A week of my life in 2 carry-on bags
One stuffed firm and the other one sags.
But the firm one is still on the plane.
Gotta wait a little more to end this game.
I hope you’ve learned life can go awry
All you can do is take it in stride
As best you can and you will see.
Traveling’s not what it’s cracked up to be.
I agree -- exactly why I don't fly anymore!
Love is a Back RubSong lyrics by Brett A. Starr on May 26th, 2021
Love is a back rub.
Love is a back rub.
Love is a back rub at the end of the day.
Some like a bouquet, or a grilled fillet;
A glass of wine or spirits to ease the pain;
A soothing song, or the sound of a gentle rain.
A hot bath at the spa and a manicure;
A facial and a foot massage sounds good for sure;
While most of those are very nice,
A back rub from a loved one has an affordable price.
Love is a back rub.
Love is a back rub.
Some say a shiny necklace, a diamond ring,
Or fancy jewelry is a wonderful thing.
A vacation to Maui, or Mexico;
Any warm climate is the place to go.
Tickets to the show or concert hall,
Or moonlight dancing at the nearest ball.
But as I’ve said, while those are all very nice,
They include the burden of a hefty price.
Love is a back rub.
Love is a back rub.
All About that BaconBy Brett A. Starr on May 30, 2021
Sung mostly to the tune of “All About that Bass” by Meghan Trainor, but no bridge
(Chorus)
You know I’m all about that bacon, ‘bout that bacon, no tofu
I’m all about that bacon, ‘bout that bacon, no tofu
I’m all about that bacon, ‘bout that bacon, no tofu
I’m all about that bacon, ‘bout that bake, bake, bake, bacon
(Verse 1 – breakfast)
Yeah, I know I’ve heard it said that I could lose some weight
But the rumble in my tummy means it’s quarter of eight.
Not a continental breakfast or a donut will do.
I want that salty substance that my mouth can chew.
(chorus)
(Verse 2 – lunch)
At noon it’s time to eat again, let’s take some time,
To make a healthy salad with a squeeze of lime.
But I don’t want no shredded cheese or toasted Ritz.
I want that salty salad topping torn in bits.
(chorus)
(Verse 3 – dinner)
At night you know it’s time again to feed my face.
Veggies steamed and ‘taters baked and all’s in place.
The grill is hot the steak is seared tuh medium well.
There’s only one thing left that really makes me yell.
(chorus)
(verse 4 – dessert)
Sometimes a piece of cake or just a slice of pie
Can tingle tiny taste buds and it makes you smile.
A single scoop of ice cream on a sugar cone,
Topped with something salty and my mind is blown.
(chorus)
An Average JoeBy Brett A Starr on June 3, 2021
His name was Joseph Daniels, as the story goes
The significance of his name, you might not know.
You see, he was secretary of the Navy during World War I
He was unpopular for the last thing he had done.
He thought it would be best, and maybe it was true,
To eliminate alcohol from bases and vessels, too.
So, the strongest naval drink that you could order up,
Was a hot black coffee, served to you in a cup.
As an insult, the sailors had coined a phrase,
A "Cup of Joseph Daniels," to boost you on your way.
Ever since, this name has stood the test of time.
In 1920, a 'cup of Joe,' cost just one thin dime.
A hundred years forward, we can get cappuccino,
Mocha, expresso, latte, and macchiato.
But I don't need no fancy stuff, you know,
No cream, no sugar, just an average 'cup of Joe.'
Brett wrote: "An Average JoeBy Brett A Starr on June 3, 2021
His name was Joseph Daniels, as the story goes
The significance of his name, you might not know.
You see, he was secretary of the Navy during World ..."
Excellent! I learned something new... :)
To BreatheBy Brett A. Starr on August 1, 2021
A welcome westward wind blows
Its breath into my mouth and nose
The sweet smell of a field of flowers
With a taste my mouth might imagine for hours.
My lungs inhale the elegant air –
Cleansing my tissues internally with care.
I exhale the breath with persistent pushes
Feeding the surrounding trees and bushes.
A symbiotic system our creator hath made
Beneficial to all when properly played.
“Again,” I say, “Again!” For each breath
Gives me strength delaying undeniably, death
A contiguous closing of another delicate day.
To breathe the breath of God, I long for it to stay.
The Circle of Fifths SonnetBy Brett A. Starr on August 3, 2021
I always wondered how composers do it.
Each song the chords construct the notes in time.
When disciplined, a change of tone feels fine.
They make the music flow quite nicely through it.
To boost the chance of topping music charts
One climbs the fifths to make a melody
That makes us sing with memorability
Creating songs with repetitious art
I like to hear the tune variety
Accompanied by lyrics wisely made
Resulting in amazing music played
With natural predictability
With music theory hidden in one's song
Arranged with harmony, one can't go wrong.
A nice sonnet! I like the rhyme of do it with through it.
Drums and Brassby Brett A. Starr on September 20, 2021
It appears to my ears of the sounds down the street.
Of the beating of the drums, and the marching feet.
I hear the flutes, the saxophones and the clarinets.
I hear the bells, I see the flags and the banners, yet -
I see the shiny gold reflections that come quite clear.
The medieval sounding trumpets really pierce my ears.
The sliding and providing of the trombones' pitch.
And the tubas in the background make the sound so rich.
Oh, play on! Play on, you marching bands!
At halftime shows across the land.
The creation of formations on the fields of grass.
Oh, the sounds I hear the most are the drums and brass.
The percussion with their cadence entertains the crowd.
The melody and harmony of the brass are loud.
The woodwinds and the cymbals make the sound complete.
Together all in sequence with the marching feet.
Oh, play on! Play on, you marching bands.
John Philip Sousa's anthems are so grand.
The band I hear into my ears – a sound surpassed
By the beating and the playing of the drums and brass.
Footnote: I am so glad my Jr. and Sr. High School band director, Mr. Benefiel, convinced me to stay in the band through high school. I was going to focus more on sports, but I was blessed to be able to be in both. I have an appreciation of what it takes to play and march in the band (as well as play in the symphony). Additionally, the annual Variety Show was a lot of work, but it was a very rewarding accomplishment. When I attend a parade as a spectator, my favorite parts are the marching bands. Band is a team sport, musically.
My First DelusionBy Brett A. Starr on January 17, 2022
Some ten and twenty years ago, it was
A change of wind and seasons were at hand
No educated problem-solving man
Could hinder the effects of any cause
Desire of my people-pleasing trait
Perfection sought from leaders wasn’t seen
My racing thoughts had conjured up a scene
Great grandiosity that couldn’t wait
Insulting accusation then was made
The pressure cooker burst, and tears were shed
Excessive drop in mood and face of red
Anticipated not and shame displayed
The pride was hurt, the ego badly scarred
To convalesce the road is very hard.
Footnote: this describes in as few words as possible, my first delusion. It was a slow-moving blindside. Had I known the warning signs, perhaps it could have been avoided. It is hard to say. Regarding the poem, I call the form a Starr Sonnet as it does have a rhyming scheme, but not Shakespearean, Petrarchan, Miltonic, or Spencerian. Perhaps it could be called a Stellar sonnet? Rhyme scheme is ABBA CDDC EFFE GG.
I believe this is where I am supposed to put my promo.www.bastarrpublishing.com
Random Acts of Poetry Series
Book 1: 43 poems - see page "RAP1" available on amazon.com
Book 2: 54 poems - see page "RAP2" available on amazon.com
Book 3: 34 poems thus far - see page "RAP3" book due out 12/22. 3 sonnets so far and 1 diamante, well technically, it's a double diamante. I'll add it in my next post in this section.
Also, there is a blog page there where I provide links to several classical poems, some read by famous orators/actors. You will find a lot of classics represented there for your reference.
Also, I have put a lot of time into making available information about bipolar disorder awareness. If anyone would like to know more about it, please go to my bipolar awareness page, or the bipolar movies and videos page.
Additionally, I have another project I'm working on. It is a self-help book discussing my observations of living for 30+ years with bipolar disorder. My first draft is written. My co-author and I are in search of an agent and publisher. If anyone is interested in knowing more, please contact me.
SeasonalBy Brett A. Starr on July 18, 2022
Summer
Hot, sunny
Playing, swimming, picnicking
Tornado, thunder, windy, blizzard
Snowing, shoveling, sledding
Cold, dark
Winter
Spring
Mild, green
Raining, growing, cleaning
Blossoms, vernal, autumnal equinoxes
Harvesting, storing, feasting
Colorful, comforting
Fall
Footnote: This is a double diamante poem. A diamante Poem is a non-rhyming structure of 7 lines. Line 1 has one word. Line 2 has 2 adjectives describing line 1. Line 3 is three words ending in “-ing” describing line 1. Line 4 has four nouns; if line 7 is opposing line 1, then 2 nouns describe line 1 and 2 nouns describe line 7. Line 5 is three “-ing” words describing line 7. Line 6 is 2 adjectives describing line 7. Line 7 is one word, and can be opposing line 1.
The Red Shoes of RomeBy Brett A. Starr on July 30, 2022
The Red Shoes of Rome
Crafted of skin forbidden
A secret hidden
A Great RingmasterBy Brett A. Starr on July 30, 2022
A Great Ringmaster
A schemer of keen disguise
Pyramid of lies
The Great AwakeningBy Brett A. Starr on July 30, 2022
The Great Awakening
The devil had quite a fling
Soon we all will sing
Hi Brett, you've some interesting work here. Your Haiku are intriguing and I very much like your diamanté poem - I hadn't heard of that form before. I like different poetry structures; they're great for your brain I find and I like sharing them with kids as they sometimes find a framework helps to get their creativity flowing. I've used a similar form which we call 'stretchy poems' (but is really a spin off from a cinqain but counting words not syllables.) which they kids really liked. I had a quick look at your site and it looked great, good luck with the book you've put a lot of work into it.
Tough as Shoe Leather (song lyrics)By Brett A. Starr on October 2, 2022
Born into this world
During the Great Depression
Grew up in World War II
Without many possessions
As a brave and young athletic lad
He was light as a feather
But deep down inside he was tough –
Tough as shoe leather
[4 bars of lead guitar]
Played with snakes and frogs
In the hills of the Appalachians
Wasn’t much for sawin’ logs
Nor clever conversation
It didn’t matter if he was healthy
Or a little under the weather
Many soon learned that he was tough –
Tough as shoe leather
[4 bars of lead guitar]
He ran away from home
I guess he needed a new scene
Went through the school of hard knocks
When he was fourteen
Eventually got his GED
No one had his tether
He always knew that he was tough –
Tough as shoe leather
[4 bars of lead guitar]
Worked his way doin’ various jobs
One day he got quite a deal
Learned a trade grinding rolls
Used in rolling steel
Married his queen and started a family
He thought it was better than ever
They learned about his toughness -
Tough as shoe leather
[4 bars of lead guitar]
Retired a worldly man
Claimed a big family
Had many grandkids and great grandkids
He was happy as could be
Now in his senior years
He knows he won’t live forever
But one thing’s for sure –
He’s as tough as shoe leather
[8 bars of lead guitar]
Footnote: During a zoom call, my sister-in-law, Tina, asked me to write lyrics for a country song titled “Tough as Shoe Leather” with her father in mind as he is well known for saying that phrase. So, I gave it a shot. I formed the story around him, Don Ross.
The Real McCoyBy Brett A. Starr on August 14, 2023
From where does the phrase “The Real McCoy” claim to be?
A statement of recognition of authenticity
Some say it references a whiskey’s quality
From distillers named McCay back in 1870
Another theory suggests it came during Prohibition
In 1920, distiller Bill McCoy’s ships held positions
At least three miles off the coast of New York, you see
In international waters, he sold it legally
He didn’t water down his alcohol with prune juice or turpentine
Many loved the taste of his rum, its quality was just fine
He shipped it from the Caribbean, a formula he didn’t botch
From this “The Real McCoy” was considered top-notch
Then, there was an engineer, Elijah McCoy was his name
Good quality steam engines was his claim to fame
His parents were former slaves in 1843
They escaped through the underground railroad from Kentucky
To Ontario - their new home, then Detroit after Civil War’s end
Elijah then studied engineering in Edinburgh, Scotland
Awarded many patents, 57 he did create
His devices were quite simple, but easy to emulate
The other copies weren’t as good and didn’t perform too well,
Elijah’s were “The Real McCoy,” from all that we can tell
Lastly, there’s another theory, one Charlie “Kid” McCoy
His real name was Norman Selby, a welterweight boxing boy
A champion known for throwing fights, oft again and again
The press would call him “The Real McCoy” only when he fought to win
So, from steam engine quality, to boxing, or alcohol to enjoy
It is really not for certain, who is “The Real McCoy”
But when we use this phrase, we know what it means
We want the "genuine" stuff, for the most part, it seems
Footnote: another history behind the mystery to add to the list. I heard someone say The Real McCoy recently and it sparked interest.
Research was found at https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/6...
The Greatest StingBy Brett A. Starr on September 12, 2023
Corruption at its finest! We all see –
Conditions set by senior officials,
For plausible deniability.
A strategy, the blame – sacrificial
Deny taking responsibility.
Enabling willful ignorance to play –
Organizational hierarchy.
‘Tis terrible to treat people this way.
All leading nation’s capitulation.
A state of emergency was declared –
To set the world-wide sting operation,
Key “Executive Orders” were prepared.
To catch the evil players in disguise
A nice surprise to witness their demise.
Glove CompartmentBy Brett A. Starr on September 29, 2023
A service manual, registration papers,
Air fresheners, and tire gauges,
Small tools, a partial pack of gum,
But not enough for everyone.
Restaurant coupons, service station receipts,
Tiny ketchup packets, and spare batteries,
Fingernail clippers, a small tissue box,
Electrical fuses, and a worn out broken watch.
Of all the objects in a glove compartment,
That’s all that comes to mind,
But a trusty pair of gloves…
You are likely not to find.
Reposting this "double diamante" for quicker reference:2 diamantes gives me 4 items to contrast
Seasonal
By Brett A. Starr on July 18, 2022
Summer
Hot, sunny
Playing, swimming, picnicking
Tornado, thunder, windy, blizzard
Snowing, shoveling, sledding
Cold, dark
Winter
Spring
Mild, green
Raining, growing, cleaning
Blossoms, vernal, autumnal equinoxes
Harvesting, storing, feasting
Colorful, comforting
Fall
Footnote: This is a double diamante poem. A diamante Poem is a non-rhyming structure of 7 lines. Line 1 has one word. Line 2 has 2 adjectives describing line 1. Line 3 is three words ending in “-ing” describing line 1. Line 4 has four nouns; if line 7 is opposing line 1, then 2 nouns describe line 1 and 2 nouns describe line 7. Line 5 is three “-ing” words describing line 7. Line 6 is 2 adjectives describing line 7. Line 7 is one word, and can be opposing line 1.
reply | edit | delete | flag
Here's another diamante...Star Wars Diamante
By Brett A. Starr on August 21, 2022
Yoda
Short, mighty
Speaking, lifting, meditating
Jedi master, Sith Lord
Hating, fighting, suffering
Tall, powerful
Vader
Microsoft Word permits me to format the words in a diamond shape, which adds to the presentation. The editor here justifies everything to the left...boring!Brett
DreamstateBy Brett A. Starr on March 11, 2024
Randomly writing a poetry wonder
Stumbling softly – the words they all rhyme
Ask me a question, but interrupt slowly
I’ll get you an answer in time
The walls are all plastered with pale pinkish stucco
The roofs are all covered with rusty red tiles
The skies are all pastel with numerous colors
With clouds having plentiful styles
Peppercorn patterns on Willow Tree windows
Rosey red rims with mirrors inside
A paradigm shift as you view your own conscience
The thoughts are erased by the tide
The sunset is fading. The shadows subsiding.
Darkness has fallen. The moon starts to rise.
You see in the distance - the belt of Orion.
You stare as the stars hypnotize.
PalindromesBy Brett A. Starr on March 11, 2024
Rats at a bar grab at a star
Was it a bar or a bat I saw?
Yo, banana boy
We panic in a pew
Mad as Adam
I prefer pi
Won’t it now?
Lid off a daffodil
Name not one man
No, it is opposition
Rise to vote, sir
Tahitti Hat
Party booby trap
Red rum, sir, is murder
Now I won
No lemons, no melon
Dammit, I’m mad
Tuna roll, or a nut
No, it is open on one position
Madam In Eden I’m Adam
Mr. owl ate my metal worm
A Santa lived as a devil at NASA
Do geese see God?
Never odd or even
Doc, Note: I dissent. A fast never prevents a fatness. I diet on cod.
Thank you, M. The rhythm of the poem is dactylic tetrameter, which is similar to Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds...a little bit. Glad you enjoyed it. "Picture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade skies..." No, I did not experiment with magic mushrooms when writing this.
Hey y'all. Long time no poetry contest! I didn't stop writing. Please check out my new poetry book.https://brettastarr68.wixsite.com/bas...
Here's my website:
https://brettastarr68.wixsite.com/bas...
Brett
Hello to everyone! My long awaited mental health memoir is now available on amazon.com. "The Bipolar Clock: Living a Bipolar Life" is open, honest, and easy to read. In it, I explain the experiences and lessons learned in the form of stages on a clock. Each stage remarkably starts with the letter "D." Some of the chapters are Detection, Despair, Denial, Delusion, Detention, and Depression. I struggled and fought with it for months until finally I made the "Decision" to accept that I wasn't getting rid of this ailment and would have to learn how to deal with it. I decided to take care of myself and do what was necessary to live a better balanced life. The last six chapter detail those learnings and changes. One change was writing poetry as a hobby, or what I term as a healthy addiction. I hope you check it out. I have a website with more information. www.bastarrpublishing.com/bipolar-clock I wish you all good mental health.
By Brett A Starr on February 19, 2021
It came upon a cool crisp winter’s day
A flock of fluffy flakes floated effortlessly
On down they came from the sky, so simply to say
“Hello, I brought a few friends with me.”
Old man winter had trimmed the tall tulip trees
With tiny tinsel toppings so shiny and white
The sugar-coated spruce stood proudly with ease
Its branches boasted bravely just before night.
An anxious kettle hissed the time for twilight tea
A crystal cup sat silently on a stand by the fire
A comforter and a cozy chair concealed me
From a delicate draft as I rested and retired.
I browsed a book of poetry and read by the hearth
The waltz of my words quite simply was heard
By the walls and the chairs but not in the garth
My sound was silenced; my vision was blurred.
I closed my eyes and nestled my head
I thought to myself how nice it had been
To be greeted so beautifully by a soft winter bed
Of a few fluffy flakes, and their innumerable friends.